"The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs” is based on a now partly debunked accounting of Mike Daisey’s visits to Foxconn’s factories in China. Actor Jason Compton performs the controversial monologue at the Bartell Theatre beginning Aug. 31.more

An early work from Sarah Ruhl, one of the country’s most original playwrights, “Melancholy Play” has a tough time balancing humor, absurdity and darkness. Add a dreary cello score, and it ends up being a downer.more

A bestselling author, essayist, farmer and now philosopher, Michael Perry is entering new territory by adapting his popular memoir, “Population 485,” for the stage. It’s at Stoughton Opera House Aug. 18-20.more